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Santiago and the Central CoastSantiago de Chile, the country‘s capital, is located in the centre of Chile. Despite its size and liveliness it still offers a colonial atmosphere due to its architecture, streets and small squares. The „Valle Central“, a fruitful valley between the Coastal Range and the Andes, has an extension of 500 kilometres / 310 miles from north to south and many exciting places worth visiting.
The central region is also known for its rich wine valleys. Chilean wine is recognized internationally for its body and aroma. Some of the most famous vineyards are located between Santiago and Talca and are open to the public – some of the wineries offer lodging in their beautiful colonial guesthouses and hotels. |
- Close to Santiago on the eastern mountain side, several world-class ski resorts open their slopes during winter.
- On the seaside the Chilean central region awaits with numerous attractive cities and charming towns; Viña del Mar with its precious gardens and lively beaches, the historical port city of Valparaiso with its colourful houses or the tiny town Isla Negra, just to name a few.
- The "La Campaña National Park“, a reserve of one of the last remaining forests containing endangered Chilean Palms, offers ideal hiking possibilities with beautiful and interesting trails.
Magic of Central ChileDAY 1: SANTIAGO
Upon arrival we will have some time to relax before starting a city tour through Santiago Chile. This metropolis shows great contrasts between modern skyscrapers and old adobe buildings dating back from the early 18th century; the perfect backdrops as our first approach this lovely country. We will visit the old quarter where some of the most important buildings are located such as La Moneda and the presidential palace. 
Valparaiso
DAY 2: VALPARAISO AND CASABLANCA
Today we will head over to the coast and explore one of the most fascinating cities in Chile; Valparaiso. With rolling hills and one of the most colorful layouts, Valparaiso reminds us of its importance during the colonial times as one of the most significant ports in South America. The architecture combined with a fantastic cultural atmosphere offers one of the best urban experiences in Chile. On the way back to Santiago we will briefly explore the Valley of Casablanca; the second biggest wine producing region of Chile. We will be able to stroll around a local vineyard, taste its fantastic products and have a great countryside lunch. (B, L) DAY 3: MOUNTAINS OF THE MAIPO CANYON Our day will begin by heading east towards the Andes, the second biggest mountain range in the world and a prominent scene when visiting the central valley of Chile. We will follow the Maipo basin up to the agricultural town of San Jose. This location is also known as a gateway for locals and offers a variety of activities. Here we can walk around and learn more about the famous Huasos and their unique lifestyle. We will relax enjoying the silence of the countryside. (B) 
San Jose de Maipo
DAY 4: SANTIAGO AND TRANSFER OUT
Transportation will take us to the airport to continue with our travels and adventures. (B) Included:
Price per person, double occupancy in US$:
The single supplement also applies to 1 person
Room types quoted with in this program: Le Reve = Deluxe room 
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Excursions for Custom Packages With Choice of Hotels (we do not sell single day tours)
note:
Full Day Icy Glacier and hot springs, PRV English leave behind the bustling city of Santiago and travel to the quaint town of San Jose de Maipo. Along the way we will be able to appreciate the changing landscapes and every day local life. After our visit of the town square we will continue our journey to Valle de las Arenas where our trek to the El Morado glacier and lake begins. Once at our destination we will be rewarded with breathtaking views and even a hanging glacier which falls away into the surrounding water. After our icy hike we will have the chance to rest in the hot Baños Colina springs, while sipping on a traditional pisco sour cocktail. (FD) (10 KM) (BL) Full Day Maipo valley (C Toro & C Macul), PRV English We will travel east toward the Alto Jahuel village, and make a first stop at the Concha y Toro Vineyard. This place has been producing some famous wines such as Casillero del Diablo since 1883 and it has become one of the main producers in Latin-American. Afterwards, we will go deeper into de valley until reaching the Cousiño Macul Vineyard, built in 1872 by French architects. wine tastings (3 wines at Concha y Toro Winery + 6 wines at Cousiño Macul Winery) and tour based on shared services, lunch. Half Day Cousiño Macul winery, PRV English Private service with English speaking guide, wine tasting (4 wines) and tour at the winery based on shared services. *Tour available from Mondays to Saturdays. (can also offer half day tours to Cousino Macul, Santa Rota or Convho y Toro wineries) Full Day Ruta del Vino Colchagua 3 wineries, PRV English we will head south towards Santa Cruz in the Colchagua Valley, where some of Chile’s best red wines originate. In addition, we will be treated to a tasteful lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful region. We will have the opportunity to visit three of the following vineyards of the Colchagua Valley: Montes, Viu Manent, Montgras, Ventisquero, Los Vascos, Apaltagua, Koyle or Casa Silva. After this fulfilling experience we will return to the hotel. (L) (FD) wine tasting and tour at the three wineries based on shared services, lunch Full Day Maipo Valley (Sta Rita +C Macul), PRV English We will travel to the Alto Jahuel village in the Valley, to visit the Santa Rita Vineyard. This place has been producing wine since 1880. Our journey through the valley continues to the Cousiño Macul Vineyard, built in 1872 by French architects. wine tasting (3 wines at Santa Rita + 4 wines at Cousiño Macul) and tour at the wineries based on shared services, lunch. *Tour available from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Full Day Matetic & Valparaiso, PRV English This full-day excursion will take us to the San Antonio Valley. which became Chile’s most important grape-growing valley for the production of premium white wine. As part of this excursion, we will enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the many boutique wineries. The journey will then continue to Valparaíso, the oldest and most important port of Chile. Last but not least we will visit the La Sebastiana Museum, a place of inspiration for the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1971). (FD) Private service, entrance fee, wine tasting (4 wines) and tour at the winery based on shared services. Depending on the schedule of this service, additional costs may apply. Full Day Casablanca Valley with Vineyards, PRV English the Casablanca Valley became the most suitable place for the winemaking industry. Our first stop will be the William Cole Vineyard. We will continue our tour through the Valley towards another nearby vineyard, Viñamar. This place is located in the high part of Casablanca and it was founded with the purpose of producing the most exceptional red, white and sparkling wines in the country: sparkling wine (Brut), Chardonnay, special reserve Merlot and a glass of Cabernet + Carmenere blend. Afterwards, we will visit the vineyards restaurant to enjoy a full course lunch accompanied by, of course, a glass of wine. Private service with English speaking guide, wine tastings (3 wines at William Cole Winery + 3 wines at Viñamar Winery) and tour based on shared services, lunch. Full Day Casas del Bosque & Matetic Wineries, PRV English wine tastings (3 wines at Casas del Bosque Winery + 2 wines at Matetic Winery) and tour at the wineries based on shared services. Depending on the schedule of this service, additional costs may apply. Full Day Curacavi, Emiliana, Valparaiso and Viña, PRV English Today we will start with a visit a “chicheria”, where we will taste a special drink that mixes fruit with alcohol. Then we will head west in order to reach the Casablanca Valley, known for producing the best white wines in the country. Here we will visit the organic Emiliana Vineyard and afterwards, we will continue our trip until arriving in Valparaíso, the oldest and most important port of Chile. After that, we will continue travelling north along the coastline to reach the city of Viña del Mar. Because of its many parks of huge trees and palms Viña del Mar has gained the well-deserved name of 'Garden City'. We will also learn about its history and visit the beaches and the Casino. Private service with English speaking guide, chicha tasting, wine tasting (4 wines) and tour at the winery based on shared services. Depending on the schedule of this service, additional costs may apply. Full Day Central Valley Estancia, PRV English This tour will allow us to delve into the Chilean way of life by experiencing a traditional Chilean estancia along with traditional food, dances, beverages and the famous “huaso” (a Chilean countryman and skilled horseman, similar to the American cowboy). Our location will be the renowned Casablanca valley that was first planted to vine in the mid 1980s. Since then, the valley has gained recognition for its white wines: Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Lunch is included as well as wine tasting and a fun folklore show. (FD) (L) wine tasting and tour & activities at the winery based on shared services, lunch. *Tour available from Tuesdays to Sundays. Full Day Santiago/Viña/Valpo to Valparaiso port, PRV English After being picked up at the airport by your guide and driver, we will head into the capital city of Santiago. This vibrant metropolis is home to more than six million people, more than a third of Chiles population. We will make our way and visit the main highlights including the city center, government palace, Plaza de Armas, Central Market, take in the views of Santa Lucía Hill, the National Library and the surrounding neighborhoods. We then head for the coastal city of Valparaíso on highway Route 68. You will have a city tour that will reveal two different towns, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. The first one, older and colorful with intricate streets and alleys that serpentine through the hills. You will take a traditional funicular lift to ascend the hills. The second one, Viña del Mar with its gardens, buildings, turreted houses and its seaside promenades. Lunch at a local restaurant in Viña del Mar is included. Finally, we will take you to the Cruise terminal in Valparaiso to check in for your upcoming cruise. (FD) (L) Full Day La Campana, PRV English This amazing park is ideal for climbing and hiking and boasts beautiful paths which can be enjoyed all year round. Continuing our tour we will get to Palmar de Ocoa, one of the last remaining forests of the Chilean palm tree, an endangered species. We will start a hike that will take us to a waterfall, as we follow the trail we will observe the full magnificence of the palm forest with trees up to 30m and a thousand years old. With a bit of luck we may see wildcats, skunks, eagles and chinchillas. After enjoying our box-lunch close to the waterfall we will return to the hotel. (FD) (BL) Full Day Santiago City Tour with museum & hill, PRV English We will begin our excursion in the Santa Lucia Hill, where the Spanish conqueror Pedro de Valdivia founded the city originally called Santiago de Nueva Extremadura. We will continue to Plaza de Armas, the main square, surrounded by the Cathedral, the main post office, the National Historic Museum and the Municipality of the city. We will visit the Constitución square where we will have the opportunity to see the government palace, La Moneda. Our next stop will be the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art; this place was created to guard, study and spread the artistic legacy of all pre-Columbian people of America. We will continue our tour to the Central Market, where we will visit a typical seafood restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch (not included). Afterwards, we will drive through Barrio Bellavista with its many cultural activities, art galleries, theaters and restaurants; finally, we will make a last stop at the San Cristóbal Hill, a very well-known recreational area with a fantastic view of the city. (FD) Full Day Valparaiso Walking Tour & Casablanca Valley, PRV En Valparaíso is a beautiful coastal city that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We will leave Santiago behind and head north until reaching this incredible cultural city, on the way we will pass through a couple of valleys famous for the production of some of the best wines in the country. Valparaíso is home to more than 40 colorful hills, each one with its own particular cultural heritage. We will have the opportunity to ride a traditional funicular, a cable car that connects the center of the city with the top of the hills. We will visit the touristic Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre; these hills hide some of the most beautiful alleys full of graffiti paintings and murals, as well as some viewpoints that will provide amazing pictures. Later, on our way back to Santiago, we will make a last stop at Kingston Vineyard, located in the Casablanca Valley. Here, we will have the opportunity to learn about this family business and the artisan and organic winemaking techniques they use to produce their amazing wines. After this incredible day, we will return to Santiago. (FD) wine tastings (1 wine) and tour at Kingston Winery based on shared services. Not included: lunch (time for lunch in local restaurant in Valparaiso is considered, but has to be paid directly) Full Day Valparaiso/Viña without Sebastiana, PRV English This port’s picturesque layout reminds us why it was the most important maritime destination in the Pacific coast for so many years. We will visit the downtown area with its new government house, the Plaza Sotomayor, the Plaza Victoria, the cathedral and the harbor area. Afterwards, we will discover the colorful hill neighborhoods. Here, high above the city, there is a fantastic agglomeration of brightly painted houses and a fantastic view over the city. The upper and lower parts of the city are connected with 16 funicular railways constructed many years ago. Later, we will continue travelling north along the coastline to get to Viña del Mar, the most famous and visited beach resort of the region. Its many parks of huge trees and palms gave Viña del Mar the well-deserved name of ‘Garden City’. We will visit the beautiful Quinta Vergara and its amphitheater, the beaches and the Casino. (FD) Full Day Vina del Mar/Valpo/Isla Negra with Sebastiana Museum,PRV English Full Day Viña/Valpo to Valparaiso port with lunch, PRV English After being picked up at the airport or the hotel by your guide and driver, we will head for the coastal city of Valparaíso on highway Route 68. You will have a city tour that will reveal two different towns, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. The first one, older and colorful with intricate streets and alleys that serpentine through the hills. You will take a traditional funicular lift to ascend the hills. The second one, Viña del Mar with its gardens, buildings, turreted houses and its seaside promenades. Lunch at a local restaurant in Viña del Mar is included. Finally, we will take you to the Cruise terminal in Valparaiso to check in for your upcoming cruise. (FD) (L) Full Day Viña/Valpo/Casablanca to Valparaiso port, PRV Eng We will leave Santiago and head north until reaching the Bodega Re vineyard. On the way we will pass through the Curacavi Valley, its tree plantations, orchards, market stalls and restaurants; and continue across the Casablanca Valley, a world-renowned wine production area. Here, we will make our first stop at Bodega Re, a small family vineyard with a long winemaking background full of history, traditions and gastronomy. We will have the opportunity to enjoy a tour around the facilities, visit their liquor rooms and the cellar; additionally, we will have a delicious four-course lunch with different types of wine. After this nice meal, we will continue our journey to Valparaíso, on the way we will pass through Viña del Mar also known as the “garden city”, and due to its palm tree-lined streets and its seaside strolling areas it has been labeled as one of the most beautiful cities of the region. We will finally reach Valparaíso, a pictures port city home of more than 40 colorful hills. Here, we will ride a traditional funicular, a cable car that connects the center of the city with the touristic passages of the hills. After this incredible day full of delicious flavors and beautiful landscapes, we will head towards the port of San Antonio and board our cruise ship to continue our adventure. (FD) (L) Half Day A gastronomic Journey (Motemei), PRV English This tour is the perfect choice for those interested in getting to know the textures, flavors and scents of traditional Chilean dishes. Our culinary journey will begin as we are picked up from the hotel and transferred to a residence, located in the prestigious Vitacura neighborhood. Once there we will be met by an outstanding chef whom will welcome us with a glass of wine. As we sit there and converse, we will be invited to participate in the cooking process. Through different ingredients and dishes, we will travel to the different regions of Chile. All will have a wonderful time as we are accompanied by the best of Chilean cuisine. After this delicious experience, we will head back to our hotel. (HD) (L or D) Half Day Biking Santiago Highlights, Group or Private English Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the starting point of this ecofriendly tour. During this bike ride you will learn about the Chilean culture through the eyes and ears of a local guide who will show you some of the most important highlights of Santiago. You will be able to experiment everyday life in the capital of Chile and enjoy the great diversity of cultures mixed in one single place. You will see the urban art in Patronato, the picturesque La Vega Market and also the main square “Plaza de Armas”. You will also get to know the famous Bellavista neighborhood, the Metropolitan Park, the Bellas Artes Museum and many other points of interest. (HD) shared bike tour with English speaking guide, water, snack (hot chocolate in fall/winter, natural juice in spring/summer) Half Day Cultural City Tour, PRV English We will start by visiting La Moneda; the Government Palace, where we will learn about the historical and current importance of this place. Following this, we will enjoy a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huérfanos and Ahumada, where the primary commercial activity of the city is concentrated. Afterwards, we will visit the main square of the city called Plaza de Armas which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and other beautiful buildings. We will also visit three museums around the city in order to grasp different perspectives of the Chilean history. We will have the opportunity to visit the Bellas Artes Museum, one of the major centers for South American art. Another important place we will visit is the Precolombino Museum, a place dedicated to the study and display of pre-Columbian artworks and artifacts from Central and South America. Our last cultural highlight of the day will be the La Chascona Museum, former home of the famous poet Pablo Neruda (Nobel Prize winner in 1971). After this fulfilling experience we will call it a day and return to our hotel. (HD) Half Day Markets and More, PRV English Chile is not only a world of sights and sounds but it is also a place that can bring alive the taste buds. The corners are lined with local street vendors whom proudly showcase their crafts or local delicacies including mote con huesillo (traditional desert with syrup, peaches and barley) or handmade sopaipillas (deep fried dough) which are traditionally served with pebre (Chilean condiment). Each one of these tastes are unique, varying from sweet to salty, there is something for everyone. As our tour continues we will visit the most famous and popular food markets: La Vega Central and the Mercado Central. Each showcases a broad range of ingredients for purchase and are lined with food establishments as far as the eye can see. We will make our way through the tight corridors only to reach open spaces filled with vast aromas of spices and newly cut flowers. These places are home to fresh seafood, smoked meats, organic cheeses, fruits and vegetable of every size, color and taste imaginable. It is here we will have the opportunity to taste ceviche made from the catch of the day or warm empanadas stuffed with a variety of options. To top things off we will make a toast to the tour and our unforgettable time with a Terremoto (drink consisting mainly of white wine, Pisco and pineapple Ice Cream). (SNACKS) (HD) Half Day City Tour Santiago San Cristobal with lunch,PRV Eng On today’s excursion we will explore the historical and modern sights of Santiago de Chile. We will start our trip at the main avenue Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins by visiting La Moneda, the Government Palace, where we will learn about thehistorical and current importance of this place. Following this, we will enjoy a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huérfanos and Ahumada, where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated. Afterwards, we will visit the famous main square of the city called Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and other historical buildings. We will continue visiting the Santa Lucia hill, the mount upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock, with many plants and an antique building rising steeply from the city below. Then, we will cross the Mapocho River to get to Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighborhood of Santiago. Bellavista lies at the foot of the San Cristóbal Hill, the highest in town, in the middle of the Metropolitan Park.We will go up the hill to explore the surroundings while enjoying beautiful panoramic views of the city. Finally, we will visit Providencia with its top restaurants, elegant shops and modern high-rise buildings. After this amazing tour we will call it a day and return to the hotel. (HD) Half Day Flavours of Chile, PRV English Santiago is not only Chile’s capital city, but also the center for the main cultural activities. Today, we will make a tour through some of the most famous local markets in the city, tasting traditional Chilean food. Our first stop will be La Vega Market, where we will taste some of the best fruits and vegetables produced in our fertile lands. Nearby, to refresh we will drink a typical Chilean drink "mote con huesillo" (peach and husked wheat drink), to continue to the historic Central Market. This place boasts an enormous variety of shops and restaurants, all of them offer different and delicious sea products, meat, bread, and more. Right here, we will taste a delicious traditional Chilean "empanada" (type of baked turnover consisting of pastry and filling) before going towards the neighborhood of Providencia. There we will taste some delicious food and a glass of fine wine in a typical Chilean restaurant. (HD) (L) Half Day A Gastronomic Journey (Uncorked), Group English Our excursion will begin with a visit to the Central Market, a place boasting some of the best flavors, scents and colors of Santiago. Then we will continue towards La Vega, the most popular fruit and vegetable market of Chile. This is the ideal place for those who want to discover new flavors. After these visits, we will relocate to the Bellavista neighborhood to start our wonderful cooking class. Our chef for the day will guide us through the preparation of simple but delicious recipes while revealing some culinary secrets. During this experience, we will learn about Chilean cuisine and regional culture. Following the class, we will enjoy a wonderful meal along with some of the country’s best wines. (HD) (L) shared Cooking Experience with English speaking cook, lunch. Half Day Historical Santiago, PRV English In this particular excursion we will pass by Santa Lucia Hill, which is called Huelen in the native Aborigin dialect. It came about by the Spanish conqueror Pedro Valdivia, who founded the city and gave the name Santiago de Nueva Extremadura, in honor of the apostle Santiago, who was the patron, Saint of Spain. We will continue to Plaza de Armas (Main Square), which is the central point of the city's earliest urbanization. Its urban moel, the “Damero”, was used in the drawings of the new american cities, generated from a main square with both a church and a city council. Today, the buildings of the Cathedral, the main post office, the National Historic Museum and the Municipalidad de Santiago (city council) are located around the square. The next stop will be the Pre-Colombino Art Museum where more than three decades have passed since Sergio Larraín García-Moreno and the Municipality of Santiago founded this gorgeous museum. This was a pioneering initiative for Latin America to create an institution to guard, study, and disseminate the artistic legacy of all pre-Columbian people in America without regard to political boundaries that divide countries today. We will then wander around Plaza de la Constitución square, where we are privileged to see La Moneda government palace. Here we will experience the historical milestones from Independence to present day. Before we return to the hotel we will visit one of the oldest ‘barrios’ of Santiago: Republica and Concha y Toro. (HD) Half Day Shopping Tour & Dominicos Artisan Town, PRV English We will begin this excursion departing from the hotel towards Vitacura neighborhood where we will visit Alonso de Cordova Avenue boutiques, an elegant neighborhood where you will visit the best shops in town and where we will come across “Lapiz Lazuli“ (semi-precious stone found only in Chile and some places in Afghanistan) stones jewelry shops.We will continue our tour to Parque Arauco Shopping Centre, one of the most sought-after shopping malls in the country. After shopping we will drive to “ Handicraft Los Dominicos Town “ where we can find traditional Chilean handicraft. (HD) Half Day City Tour Santiago, PRV English We will start our trip leaving the hotel behind and visiting La Moneda, the Government Palace, where we will learn about the historical and current importance of this place. Following this, we will enjoy a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huérfanos and Ahumada, where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated. Afterwards, we will visit the main square of the city called Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and other beautiful buildings. Focusing in the cultural and historical sites of Santiago, we will also visit the Santa Lucía Hill, the mount upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock, with many plants and an antique building rising steeply from the city below. Later, we will cross the Mapocho River to get to Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighborhood of Santiago. Finally, we will visit Los Dominicos craft market, which began as an artists’ commune supported by the Dominican monastery. In this place of more than 150 workshops you will find the most complete and representative sample of Chilean handcrafts. After this interesting tour we will call it a day and return to the hotel. (HD) This tour is the perfect choice for those interested in getting to know the textures, flavors and scents of traditional Chilean dishes. Our culinary journey will begin as we are picked up from the hotel and transferred to a residence, located in the prestigious Vitacura neighborhood. Once there we will be met by an outstanding chef whom will welcome us with a glass of wine. As we sit there and converse, we will be invited to participate in the cooking process. Through different ingredients and dishes, we will travel to the different regions of Chile. All will have a wonderful time as we are accompanied by the best of Chilean cuisine. After this delicious experience, we will head back to our hotel. (HD) (L or D) Notes Private transfers without guide, private Cooking Experience with English speaking cook, lunch or dinner (7 stations). |
